Longtime Idyllwild resident Shirley Jane Dawson, 82, passed away Saturday, June 26 following a lengthy battle with cancer and other health issues.

Shirley is survived by son Gary Osterhues of Hemet; daughter Toni (Andy) Murray of Roscoe, Ill.; grandchildren Sean (Cleo) Murray of Orland Park, Ill., Ashey (Scott) Sulinckas of Mundelein, Ill., and Lt. Ryan Murray, USMC, currently serving in Afghanistan; sister Jean (Dick) Kirk, of Hemet, Calif.; brother John (Kathy) Conger of Anchorage, Alaska; and many nieces and nephews.

Born Shirley Jane Sanders in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1927, she attended Bret Harte Junior High and George Washington High School. Shirley worked as a dental assistant and then went on to teach dental assistance at UCLA Extension, Fullerton College and Cypress College. Her longtime love of thoroughbred horse racing eventually brought her to work at Hollywood Park Race Track after her retirement from teaching.

Shirley’s family wishes to thank the people of Idyllwild for all their help and support over the years that her health declined. She loved Idyllwild and never wanted to leave. No services are planned according to her wishes and cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorial donations can be made to Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) in Idyllwild, Living Free Animal Sanctuary in Mountain Center, or a charity of your choosing.

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